This month, our long time supporters London Sock Company enlisted the help of TV’s Dan Walker to demonstrate Suited & Booted’s power in action through a short film. One of Britain’s best-loved (and best dressed) TV presenters, long-time friend of LSC and all-round nice guy, Dan volunteered his time at the our Gray’s Inn Road HQ to help two deserving men – Barry Hayes and Kieron Bryan – get ready for interviews.
A Suited & Booted styling session is more than just handing over the first suit and tie that fits the client. It is a full ‘Savile Row’ experience, a chance to talk about their lives and ambitions, and impart some advice. With Dan, Kieron and Barry selected dapper suits and shoes they loved, finished off with the perfect pair of London Sock Company socks. They also shared some of their stories. Kieron, for example, was just two weeks out of prison at the time of filming.
“I spent 12.5 years in prison,” said Kieron. “I knew that I wanted to come out with more opportunities than I had before, so I spent my time proactively: reading, learning and creating.” While inside, Kieron read over 250 books, completed 30 vocational courses, started three businesses, and even wrote a children’s book. Upon his release, he immediately started studying for his masters at Middlesex University and pursuing new opportunities as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur. “The right clothes put you in the right place, right frame of mind,” he said. “This experience at Suited & Booted has really helped me feel confident and ready for this next part of my journey.”
“Suited & Booted are an amazing organisation who show the real, life-changing impact that a great suit and colourful pair of socks can make on someone’s state of mind,” said Dan. “Looking smart and feeling confident has always been important in my job. Pulling on a great pair of socks in the morning with my suit is a key part of my daily routine. It was great to be able to help Barry and Kieron pick things out that will make them stand taller and give them the confidence to go out there and succeed.”
As a small charity with no governmental support, we rely entirely on donations, corporate partners such as London Sock Company and volunteers like Dan to carry out our work. We help over 1,000 vulnerable and unemployed men each year and are always looking for more volunteers to help us make a real difference, give our clients their confidence back, and change the direction of their lives.
To watch the film with Dan Walker and learn more about how you can volunteer to support Suited & Booted with our work, head to londonsockcompany.com/suited-and-booted